What is best way to cut off body panels for re-use?

Hi All!,

I got another 73 Riviera for parts, I'd like to cut apart the complete body shell as I don't have room for it.
The floor pan, trunk pan and many other areas are real good, the 1/4's are dented but not too rusty, so I'd like to keep just in case...

What is the best way to cut the panels so as many of them are reusable?

On some of the panels, if I drill out the spots welds will the panels seperate somewhat easily?

Or is it better to sawzall everything off?
Unfortunately, I do not have a plasma cutter.

Thanks!
Jim

 

Best bet is to use air shears...leave a clean, unwarped edge.

A saw leaves a rough edge and can warp the metal.

 

You might look into renting a plasma cutter if available in your area. Also my advice would be to cut big. It is easier to cut the extra off than to make the missing appear.

Greg

 

Use a spot weld cutter. You wont ruin the sheet metal or the under structure

 

A spot weld cutter is probably the best way to remove a complete panel for re-use, but it's more work as well. If you can sacrifice adjacent panels, plasma, torch, shears, sawzall or a metal cutting disk on a 4 inch angle grinder will be faster.....but you will eventually need to trim the panel by drilling out the spot welds anyway before installation.

 

I have done what you are asking a few times. I currently have half of a Toyota Supra in my driveway to go to a friend in NY. Sawzall is the best. Shears won't do well when you get into doubled up metal, supports & braces, not sure how easy a plasma cutter would do there either, but then there is a good chance of a fire if you don't gut it first (if using the plasma cutter). It's not often that a rusted quarter can just be skinned, i.e. remove spot welds replace and re-spot weld. Usually the inner structure is damaged also. So cut extra and trim to fit when needed.

 

Becareful with a sawz all, its very scary when cutting and it hits something solid and bounces back at you.

 

oh yeah, had that happen many times in my life. thanks!

 

Where can I find a "spot weld cutter"?
Thanks!

 

I'd rather save as much as possible, but never used a spot weld cutter before, but sounds like the ticket to save as much of the good panels as possible, the shel is completely gutted so not much risk of fire with plasma.
Thanks!